What do you think?
Rate this book
Goodlove and Shek #4
Forgotten Evidence
Attorney Garrett Goodlove thought that after his firm brought in a multi-million-dollar settlement, the depression he’d been fighting would disappear. That didn’t happen. Because he no longer has to struggle to keep Goodlove and Shek afloat, he has too much time to obsess over his moods.
When a new client brings in an envelope labelled “Open ONLY if something happens to me,” Goodlove puts it in the firm’s safe and goes back to neglecting his practice.
But when the client disappears, Goodlove knows he must overcome his problem and take charge. But beating depression is hard.
Things get worse when the client turns up wandering the back alleys of San Francisco and is indicted for murder. Turns out the man is suffering from profound amnesia, making the case the most difficult of Goodlove’s career.
If Garrett Goodlove can’t get a grip and overcome his depression, the new client might spend his life in prison for a murder he—probably—didn’t commit.
Forgotten Evidence may be enjoyed as a standalone book or as part of the Goodlove and Shek series.
When a new client brings in an envelope labelled “Open ONLY if something happens to me,” Goodlove puts it in the firm’s safe and goes back to neglecting his practice.
But when the client disappears, Goodlove knows he must overcome his problem and take charge. But beating depression is hard.
Things get worse when the client turns up wandering the back alleys of San Francisco and is indicted for murder. Turns out the man is suffering from profound amnesia, making the case the most difficult of Goodlove’s career.
If Garrett Goodlove can’t get a grip and overcome his depression, the new client might spend his life in prison for a murder he—probably—didn’t commit.
Forgotten Evidence may be enjoyed as a standalone book or as part of the Goodlove and Shek series.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2020
755 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Al Macy
26 books152 followersAl Macy writes because he has stories to tell. In school he was the class clown and always the first volunteer for show and tell. His teachers would say “Al has a lot of imagination.” Then they'd roll their eyes.
But he put his storytelling on the back burner until he retired and wrote a blog about his efforts to improve his piano sight-reading. That's when his love of storytelling burbled up to the surface, along with quirky words like “burble.”
He had even more fun writing his second book, Drive, Ride, Repeat, but was bummed by non-fiction's need to stick to “the truth” (yucko). From then on it was fiction all the way, with a good dose of his science background burbling to the surface.
Macy's top priority is compelling storylines with satisfying plot twists, but he never neglects character development. No, wait … his top priority is quirkiness, then compelling storylines, then character development. No, wait …
But he put his storytelling on the back burner until he retired and wrote a blog about his efforts to improve his piano sight-reading. That's when his love of storytelling burbled up to the surface, along with quirky words like “burble.”
He had even more fun writing his second book, Drive, Ride, Repeat, but was bummed by non-fiction's need to stick to “the truth” (yucko). From then on it was fiction all the way, with a good dose of his science background burbling to the surface.
Macy's top priority is compelling storylines with satisfying plot twists, but he never neglects character development. No, wait … his top priority is quirkiness, then compelling storylines, then character development. No, wait …
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 9, 2020
An excellent legal thriller in the Goodlove Series that can be read as a standalone. Very well written story with likeable realistic characters. The plot is fast paced with lots of suspense. A hard to put down book that I highly recommend. Bring on the next court case in this great legal series.
October 9, 2020
Thank you for the free Arc
Totally loved it
Your characters are so believable
Totally loved it
Your characters are so believable
April 7, 2021
It has a good mystery start with a very mysterious client, but then it became another book. Why to I need to read the next 10% of the book , which has nothing to do with the main story. A detailed description for 5% of a card game. I hate books that feels like the author was instructed by the publisher to fill up pages with what ever they can.
July 28, 2020
With Goodlove just receiving a large settlement, he seems to be semi-interested in his work. Just recently his firm received an envelope from a new client which stated "do Not Open Until there are unforeseen circumstances". This client, Dr. Arthur Toth, finally Garrett has a meeting with Dr Toth and he learns the reasoning behind the letter. As an aside, Garret invites Arthur to join him and his daughter for some surfing. He accepts and brings along a colleague, Margaux Marchand.
Later, Dr, Toth has disappeared and this event has Garrett open the envelope that was left with him for that purpose. In addition, Margaux has also disappeared. Dr. Toth is eventually located in San Francisco, but he seems to have developed amnesia. He returns back home. Later on Margaux's body is discovered and Arthur is charged with her murder.
Garrett will be representing Arthur, but with his amnesia, he will not be a lot of help. Louella, Garrett's investigator begins looking for information which will help in Arthur's defense. The trial is held, a it takes a long time for the jury to reach a verdict.
In order for you to find out how the trial ended and what ultimately happened to Margaux, then you will need to read this book. You will also discover what type of work that Dr. Toth was involved in. I highly recommend it.
Later, Dr, Toth has disappeared and this event has Garrett open the envelope that was left with him for that purpose. In addition, Margaux has also disappeared. Dr. Toth is eventually located in San Francisco, but he seems to have developed amnesia. He returns back home. Later on Margaux's body is discovered and Arthur is charged with her murder.
Garrett will be representing Arthur, but with his amnesia, he will not be a lot of help. Louella, Garrett's investigator begins looking for information which will help in Arthur's defense. The trial is held, a it takes a long time for the jury to reach a verdict.
In order for you to find out how the trial ended and what ultimately happened to Margaux, then you will need to read this book. You will also discover what type of work that Dr. Toth was involved in. I highly recommend it.
July 26, 2020
Forgotten Evidence: by Al Macy
I like books that not only entertain me with a good plot and fine characters, but also teach me something, and make me think. Forgotten Evidence does that brilliantly. Mr. Macy has written another page-turner that is more than just a legal thriller.
In this well-paced tale of death and amnesia, enlivened by witty repartee and the author’s usual lightness of touch and refusal to lecture, we encounter depression and ways to cope, learn about some of the problems faced by sufferers of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and are introduced to various types of human memory, their functions and ways neuroscientists attempt to interfere with brain functions in the hope of alleviating human mental health problems, while torturing other intelligent animals.
The cleverness of the title becomes apparent in the last few pages when, after Garrett, Jen, Nicole and the delightful Louella have done their best to prove the innocence of the accused, unexpected evidence forces reader and lawyers alike to examine their values and decide whether justice has really been served.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I like books that not only entertain me with a good plot and fine characters, but also teach me something, and make me think. Forgotten Evidence does that brilliantly. Mr. Macy has written another page-turner that is more than just a legal thriller.
In this well-paced tale of death and amnesia, enlivened by witty repartee and the author’s usual lightness of touch and refusal to lecture, we encounter depression and ways to cope, learn about some of the problems faced by sufferers of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and are introduced to various types of human memory, their functions and ways neuroscientists attempt to interfere with brain functions in the hope of alleviating human mental health problems, while torturing other intelligent animals.
The cleverness of the title becomes apparent in the last few pages when, after Garrett, Jen, Nicole and the delightful Louella have done their best to prove the innocence of the accused, unexpected evidence forces reader and lawyers alike to examine their values and decide whether justice has really been served.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
October 28, 2020
A well-titled story.........
Forgotten Evidence is the fourth entry in the Goodlove Shek Series, and I believe it is best enjoyed as part of the series. I am a legal thriller junkie, so I will listen to almost any of them, but this series has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Each case that the law firm handles involves a more unique and sometimes bizarre set of circumstances than the last. Even more importantly, the members of Goodlove and Shek's legal team and family always prove even more interesting and unique. Garrett Goodlove is a middle-aged attorney with two grown children, one a partner at his law firm and the other a freelance photographer with severe bi-polar disorder. Garrett struggles with chronic depression, and he is the twin of a sister born deaf, so everybody in the family uses ASL. Garrett is married to his younger law partner, his legal secretary is 80+ years old, and his investigator is a retired female cop in her sixties. Can you imagine a more eclectic cast of characters? The amazing part of all of this is the seamless way they get along and support each other throughout the series, and Macy writes in such a way to make me feel a part of this dynamic family.
In Forgotten Evidence, Macy has surpassed his always dependable ability to entertain me. While struggling with depression, Garrett struggles to stay involved in his law practice when he meets his newest client, Dr. Arthur Toth. The doctor specializes in the study of amnesia, and he delivers a mysterious letter with instructions to hold it in confidence until something happens to him. Garrett instantly feels a kinship with Arthur and offers to give him surfing lessons during their conversation. Thus, Garrett begins to develop a casual friendship with this odd but brilliant doctor until Arthur suddenly disappears only to reappear days later with amnesia and charged with the murder of a colleague. The legal team of Goodlove and Shek needs to ride to the rescue, discover the secret behind the mysterious letter and save Arthur from conviction. As a final whiplash, when the trial is concluded, Mr. Macy blew me away with a surprise twist that still has me shaking my head in amazement and appreciation. I can hardly wait to see what Macy has in store for this intrepid team next.
Nick Sullivan narrates all the books in the series, and he is the perfect choice for Garrett Goodlove's irreverent personality. Sullivan is a true professional and delivers a flawless performance with perfect timing and emphasis. Sullivan has long been one of my favorite narrators, and I love that Macy and he collaborate to offer such a fun and engrossing listen.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.
Forgotten Evidence is the fourth entry in the Goodlove Shek Series, and I believe it is best enjoyed as part of the series. I am a legal thriller junkie, so I will listen to almost any of them, but this series has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Each case that the law firm handles involves a more unique and sometimes bizarre set of circumstances than the last. Even more importantly, the members of Goodlove and Shek's legal team and family always prove even more interesting and unique. Garrett Goodlove is a middle-aged attorney with two grown children, one a partner at his law firm and the other a freelance photographer with severe bi-polar disorder. Garrett struggles with chronic depression, and he is the twin of a sister born deaf, so everybody in the family uses ASL. Garrett is married to his younger law partner, his legal secretary is 80+ years old, and his investigator is a retired female cop in her sixties. Can you imagine a more eclectic cast of characters? The amazing part of all of this is the seamless way they get along and support each other throughout the series, and Macy writes in such a way to make me feel a part of this dynamic family.
In Forgotten Evidence, Macy has surpassed his always dependable ability to entertain me. While struggling with depression, Garrett struggles to stay involved in his law practice when he meets his newest client, Dr. Arthur Toth. The doctor specializes in the study of amnesia, and he delivers a mysterious letter with instructions to hold it in confidence until something happens to him. Garrett instantly feels a kinship with Arthur and offers to give him surfing lessons during their conversation. Thus, Garrett begins to develop a casual friendship with this odd but brilliant doctor until Arthur suddenly disappears only to reappear days later with amnesia and charged with the murder of a colleague. The legal team of Goodlove and Shek needs to ride to the rescue, discover the secret behind the mysterious letter and save Arthur from conviction. As a final whiplash, when the trial is concluded, Mr. Macy blew me away with a surprise twist that still has me shaking my head in amazement and appreciation. I can hardly wait to see what Macy has in store for this intrepid team next.
Nick Sullivan narrates all the books in the series, and he is the perfect choice for Garrett Goodlove's irreverent personality. Sullivan is a true professional and delivers a flawless performance with perfect timing and emphasis. Sullivan has long been one of my favorite narrators, and I love that Macy and he collaborate to offer such a fun and engrossing listen.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.
October 9, 2020
Mjm
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story with a surprise ending!
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2020
This is my first exposure to Al Macy’s work and I am glad that I decided to try this book. It is well-written, with strong characters and vivid descriptions that made me feel a part of the story. A man comes into the law office, handing Garrett Goodlove a letter that is only to be opened and shown to the police in the event something happened to him, along with a check for $50,000 to cover any expenses incurred. The lawyers react and strike up a friendship, then the client and a lady he supervised go missing 9 days later. She is found murdered and he turns up much later in a hospital, suffering from amnesia. I was drawn in by the steps the lawyers take to determine his innocence as the client is charged with the murder and I became engrossed in the courtroom drama as the case unwound. Then I was taken completely by surprise at the ending. I definitely want to read the other books in this series, starting with the first book. Although the author did a good job with referencing earlier family events, I want to read about those events to more fully understand how much their lives were impacted.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story with a surprise ending!
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2020
This is my first exposure to Al Macy’s work and I am glad that I decided to try this book. It is well-written, with strong characters and vivid descriptions that made me feel a part of the story. A man comes into the law office, handing Garrett Goodlove a letter that is only to be opened and shown to the police in the event something happened to him, along with a check for $50,000 to cover any expenses incurred. The lawyers react and strike up a friendship, then the client and a lady he supervised go missing 9 days later. She is found murdered and he turns up much later in a hospital, suffering from amnesia. I was drawn in by the steps the lawyers take to determine his innocence as the client is charged with the murder and I became engrossed in the courtroom drama as the case unwound. Then I was taken completely by surprise at the ending. I definitely want to read the other books in this series, starting with the first book. Although the author did a good job with referencing earlier family events, I want to read about those events to more fully understand how much their lives were impacted.
November 16, 2020
Al Macy delivers with each book of his Goodlove and Shek series. Forgotten Evidence is a mix of legal thriller, mystery and domestic personal drama. How the author can blend all this together and give us a top notch story is a mystery to me but it is great for it. The characters of Garrett Goodlove and his family and friends feel like very real people with each fully fleshed out and all of them bring something to the story. Forgotten Evidence is about a scientist who has developed an experimental drug to help people with depression or suffering trauma by wiping their memory. The question is: why would someone give the scientist a strong dose of his own drug? Could it be the seemingly untrustworthy head of the company? Could it be someone trying to shift blame to the scientist when his close colleague and friend is found murdered. You can see where the mystery comes from in the story. It’s brilliantly written and the story weaves its way through many turns until we get to the end. I loved this addition to the series and can’t wait to see what Al Macy comes up with next for his characters.
If you have the chance give the audiobook a listen as Nick Sullivan does a top class job bringing these characters to life. I've rarely heard better, if at all.
If you have the chance give the audiobook a listen as Nick Sullivan does a top class job bringing these characters to life. I've rarely heard better, if at all.
Read
June 16, 2023free ebook, im not reading them in order unfort
he is a attorney with a deaf twin sister
they go surfing
a client comes in, talks like real old time from being home schooled. he is developing a drug to erase memory so you dont remember traumatic things. he gives the lawyer a envelop that says to open in case something happens to him
the lawyer likes him and teaches him how to surf
then he goes missing, the lawyer opens the envelope
they found him in a hospital in sf, he has amnesia from the drug he was testing. his co worker who went missing the same time was found murdered. he was arrested and they wont let him out on bail
before the trial the lawyers son was shot and killed
they had the trial and found him not guilty
but the lawyer figured out he had left the missing notebook he wrote in every day on bart. they went to lost and found and found it. they discovered he did kill his coworker, by accident. he could not live with the memory so he gave himself the drug to lose his memory. they cut those pages out so they could return the note book to him
he is a attorney with a deaf twin sister
they go surfing
a client comes in, talks like real old time from being home schooled. he is developing a drug to erase memory so you dont remember traumatic things. he gives the lawyer a envelop that says to open in case something happens to him
the lawyer likes him and teaches him how to surf
then he goes missing, the lawyer opens the envelope
they found him in a hospital in sf, he has amnesia from the drug he was testing. his co worker who went missing the same time was found murdered. he was arrested and they wont let him out on bail
before the trial the lawyers son was shot and killed
they had the trial and found him not guilty
but the lawyer figured out he had left the missing notebook he wrote in every day on bart. they went to lost and found and found it. they discovered he did kill his coworker, by accident. he could not live with the memory so he gave himself the drug to lose his memory. they cut those pages out so they could return the note book to him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2020
This is the second book by Macy that I've read and the pluses and minuses are the same here as in the last. Macy's descriptions of his characters physical attributes are so vivid that I can imagine them well. This book had to do with pharmaceutical research. His descriptions on that subject were deep, detailed and distracting. Also, when his son first popped up in the story, the description was similar to how he was identified in the earlier book I had read. I actually thought it was identical but was too lazy to go back and find it in the earlier book and compare. Macy's books are okay if you're reading to pass the time but there are too many side stories and distractions to make them 4 or 5 star reading.
October 20, 2020
I love the Garrett Goodlove stories and this one doesn't disappoint. Garrett and company takes on the case of a doctor who is worried for his safety. He gives Garrett a letter to keep for him, only to be opened if something happened to him. This book takes the reader through the trial and verdict. I ahev read several books from this series and I look forward to the unexpected twist after the trial. It comes as a shock. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 17, 2020
This was a hard book to stay focused on. It went back and forth, until the last few chapters. A scientist leaves a note with Goodlove, to be opened if something happens to him. He disappears, and his lab assistant also disappears. She is found days later, murdered. He is the suspect. The only problem is, he has amnesia. He is charged with murder, and Goodlove and his family take the case.
The ending is different. I still don't know about this book.
The ending is different. I still don't know about this book.
November 25, 2020
A Fast-paced Cout Case
Most court cases go on forever. The court case in this book is short and fast-paced. The author did it in a well-written book with believable characters. I actually wanted to jump in and help the characters. The twist at the end of the book made for an interesting ending.
Most court cases go on forever. The court case in this book is short and fast-paced. The author did it in a well-written book with believable characters. I actually wanted to jump in and help the characters. The twist at the end of the book made for an interesting ending.
January 9, 2021
Stunning
Al Macy writes about the law firm of Good Love and Shek and it's clients like he is narrating from his real life. The scenes are vibrant and often poignant moments that stick in my memory are so very relatable. I never give spoiler reviews. Read the series starting with book one. I will admit that I never guessed the final plot twist coming. Happy reading 📚.
Al Macy writes about the law firm of Good Love and Shek and it's clients like he is narrating from his real life. The scenes are vibrant and often poignant moments that stick in my memory are so very relatable. I never give spoiler reviews. Read the series starting with book one. I will admit that I never guessed the final plot twist coming. Happy reading 📚.
April 4, 2021
Fan of Goodlove and Shek
Once again I loved the further character development and storyline in this continuing series. The main case in this book was as unusual, as the client - BOTH made this a fun read. Recommend readers start from the beginning of the series, but this particular book can be read as a stand alone and enjoyed (IMO).
Once again I loved the further character development and storyline in this continuing series. The main case in this book was as unusual, as the client - BOTH made this a fun read. Recommend readers start from the beginning of the series, but this particular book can be read as a stand alone and enjoyed (IMO).
November 17, 2020
Engrossing
I could not put it down. This book kept my attention on the twists and turns of the story and the revealing of the characters. The end was a surprise. I will look for more stories by Al Macy.
I could not put it down. This book kept my attention on the twists and turns of the story and the revealing of the characters. The end was a surprise. I will look for more stories by Al Macy.
November 20, 2020
Forgotten Evidence
Hmmm... I enjoyed this book but at times it seemed artificial. There were times when the book flowed and it was effortless to read but other times when it seemed forced and the story did not flow well. All in all I give it a positive review.
Hmmm... I enjoyed this book but at times it seemed artificial. There were times when the book flowed and it was effortless to read but other times when it seemed forced and the story did not flow well. All in all I give it a positive review.
November 24, 2020
A great story
This is a story of a lawyer family that is defending a very unique case. There is lots of lawyer thinking expressed that makes very good reading. And the end will make you wonder. Looking forward to reading more of your books.
This is a story of a lawyer family that is defending a very unique case. There is lots of lawyer thinking expressed that makes very good reading. And the end will make you wonder. Looking forward to reading more of your books.
December 8, 2020
Great plot
This book would make good tv viewing! I love the victim, unusual character. Also love the law firm, flawed and troubled and feeling real. The story is new, with a totally unexpected ending. Great stuff.
This book would make good tv viewing! I love the victim, unusual character. Also love the law firm, flawed and troubled and feeling real. The story is new, with a totally unexpected ending. Great stuff.
December 10, 2020
Forgotten evidence
A thought provoking dilemma. If a traumatic event happened and you had ptsd that you couldnt cure, would you take a drug to rid you of the memory. A side effect being that your memory of all of your past is wiped as well?
A thought provoking dilemma. If a traumatic event happened and you had ptsd that you couldnt cure, would you take a drug to rid you of the memory. A side effect being that your memory of all of your past is wiped as well?
January 10, 2021
Fran’s review
This is a great book. It’s an easy read, entertaining to the last page. Some parts are hilariously funny, and the description of the main character’s emotional problem is very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
This is a great book. It’s an easy read, entertaining to the last page. Some parts are hilariously funny, and the description of the main character’s emotional problem is very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
February 25, 2021
Exciting and intriguing.......
I have recommended it to my "gal-pals" who love their books as much as I do. During the vivid crisis, books have became our best friends as well our social outlet.
I have recommended it to my "gal-pals" who love their books as much as I do. During the vivid crisis, books have became our best friends as well our social outlet.
April 27, 2021
Parallel evidence
Very good court drama highlighted by the main characters back story lines. Your memories are precious parts of you that the book challenge the reader to try to live without. Another great ending that makes the reader think about parallel reality.
Very good court drama highlighted by the main characters back story lines. Your memories are precious parts of you that the book challenge the reader to try to live without. Another great ending that makes the reader think about parallel reality.
August 21, 2021
Good lawyer procedural
A scientist is accused of murder . The team of lawyers work to prove his innocence.. The ending is a surprise but to me a little far fetched. I liked the third book in the series best .
A scientist is accused of murder . The team of lawyers work to prove his innocence.. The ending is a surprise but to me a little far fetched. I liked the third book in the series best .
October 4, 2021
Emotional
This book was a very emotional read for me. I enjoyed the book, but it left me feeling emotionally drained. Toward the end I had a feeling what had happened but not why the murder had happened. The book is well written and captivating.
This book was a very emotional read for me. I enjoyed the book, but it left me feeling emotionally drained. Toward the end I had a feeling what had happened but not why the murder had happened. The book is well written and captivating.
November 18, 2020
Forget it!
Another author stuck on the use of bad language, with fetish for the "f" words. There is better literature elsewhere.
Another author stuck on the use of bad language, with fetish for the "f" words. There is better literature elsewhere.
November 20, 2020
Very enjoyable yarn Highly recommended.
November 26, 2020
Excellent
Skillfully plotted and developed, a story that keeps the reader guessing. The characters may be a little too quirky, but they work
Skillfully plotted and developed, a story that keeps the reader guessing. The characters may be a little too quirky, but they work
December 21, 2020
Oh my!
It's midnight and I could not stop reading until I finished this book. A tremendous story with such a twist at the end. Great read
It's midnight and I could not stop reading until I finished this book. A tremendous story with such a twist at the end. Great read
December 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this book, especially the ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews